Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Monday, 9 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 May 2001. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Friday, 11 May 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 30th March 2001 at 365 c797W, on entry clearance, for what reason a backlog of replies to honourable Members' letters on entry clearance cases accumulated; and what has been the reduction in waiting times since the Minister for Europe assumed responsibility. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 30 March 2001, Official Report, column 797W, on entry clearance, for what reason a backlog of replies to hon. Members' letters on entry clearance cases accumulated; and what has been the reduction in waiting times since the Minister for Europe assumed responsibility. [158335] Mr. Vaz: A backlog of replies to right hon. and hon. Members' letters had accumulated due to a shortage of staff in the Visa Correspondence Unit. This has now been addressed. I assumed ministerial responsibility for entry clearance in October 1999. In that month 38 per cent. of letters received from hon. Members were replied to within 15 working days. In March 2001, 92 per cent. were replied to within period.

Secondary information